Lee runs 4.52 40-yard dash at NFL combine

Former USC wide receiver Marqise Lee went through on-field drills and testing on Sunday at the NFL scouting combine with an eye on solidifying his position as a projected first-round pick in the upcoming draft.

Lee came into the day ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver by Mel Kiper Jr., and there was a lot of interest in his 40-yard dash time to judge the status of his left knee injury. which hampered him during the 2013 season. Lee came away with an official time of 4.52, which should not hurt his draft stock. It wasn’t one of the top 10 times for the wide receiver position. but it is fast enough when combined with Lee’s other athletic gifts.

Lee -- who measured in at 5-foot-11 ¾ and 192 pounds -- also had a 38-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot, 7-inch broad jump (both marks were among the top 10 at his position). He also looked fluid and loose during the pass-catching drills. Lee showed good hands -- including one solid sideline catch where he was able to make the grab and turn up field -- and he responded well to coming up limping after going down on one deep ball.

In their ESPN.com mock drafts, Todd McShay has Lee going to the St. Louis Rams with the No. 13 pick while Kiper has him being picked in the No. 18 spot by the New York Jets.